Retaining Walls Burbank

Retaining Walls Burbank

Retaining Wall Contractors in Burbank

Encino is known for its scenic hillside properties, upscale landscaping, and dynamic terrain. This unique geography creates both opportunities and challenges when it comes to landscape design and structural safety. One essential feature for many Encino properties is a well-constructed retaining wall.

At Sequoia Pool Builders, we specialize in custom retaining wall construction and repairs designed for Encino’s specific terrain. Whether to stabilize a slope, create level areas for functional landscaping, or enhance curb appeal, retaining walls are a smart investment for homeowners in the Encino area.

We bring years of experience building structurally sound retaining walls that meet Los Angeles permitting regulations, enhance luxury landscaping, and provide long-term performance in hillside conditions.

Reasons to Build or Replace a Retaining Wall in Burbank

Retaining walls in Burbank serve several important functions, and homeowners often consider building or upgrading walls for the following reasons:

Preventing Soil Erosion

Many Burbank homes are set against hillsides or sloped backyards, making them prone to soil erosion during heavy rains or irrigation. A retaining wall helps prevent soil movement, protecting the structural foundation of your home and minimizing the risk of washouts.

Creating Usable Outdoor Spaces

Terracing a slope with retaining walls allows homeowners to create flat, usable areas for patios, lawns, walkways, or gardens. This is a popular upgrade for older properties in the hillside areas of Burbank that were originally designed with limited outdoor accessibility.

Increasing Property Value

A well-designed retaining wall improves landscaping aesthetics and expands livable outdoor space—both of which contribute positively to home value. Adding hardscaping elements with professional-grade materials also gives an updated, contemporary appeal to mid-century estates.

Improving Drainage and Runoff Control

Properly built retaining walls redirect water away from structures and limit water intrusion into foundations or crawl spaces. Integrating drainage systems, such as weep holes and drain pipes, is crucial for preventing long-term water damage.

Compliance with Safety Regulations

In communities like Burbank, where properties are often built on slopes, municipal codes and geotechnical safety are important considerations. Replacing an aging wall ensures compliance with current safety standards and reduces liability risks.

Common Problems and Signs You Need Repairs

Recognizing the early signs of retaining wall failure is important to avoid serious structural issues down the line. Common indicators include:

  • Cracking or Bulging Walls: Horizontal or vertical cracks, bowing, or bulging often signal poor construction, hydrostatic pressure, or shifting soil behind the wall.

  • Leaning or Tilting: Walls that tilt forward or lean away from the slope are unstable and potentially unsafe, often resulting from improper base construction or lack of reinforcement.

  • Water Drainage Issues: Pooling water, soggy soil, or moss-covered walls can indicate poor drainage and a risk of collapse.

  • Loose or Separated Stones or Materials: For stone or masonry walls, loose rocks or separated mortar joints suggest foundational shifts or aging materials that need immediate attention.

 

Sequoia Pool Builders offers comprehensive retaining wall inspections and maintenance planning to ensure your structure continues to perform reliably year after year.

Permitting Requirements in Burbank

In Burbank, building or replacing a retaining wall is subject to local building codes. Retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) generally require a permit along with approved site and engineering plans.

The City of Burbank may also require a soils report or geotechnical analysis, especially for hillside properties, to confirm stability and proper drainage design. Other potential requirements include:

  • Structural engineering plans signed by a licensed engineer

  • Grading plan if the project involves major land contouring

  • Drainage discharge forms for managing surface runoff

  • Compliance with the hillside ordinance, if applicable

 

Sequoia Pool Builders manages the entire permitting process, including plan drafting, engineering collaboration, and submittal to the Burbank Building & Safety Division. By aligning your project with city regulations, we minimize delays and ensure your retaining wall is built to local code.

Importance of Retaining Wall Inspections

Before beginning construction or repairs, a professional inspection of your existing retaining wall or sloped land is essential. Our inspection process includes:

  • Evaluation of visible damage, leaning, or water efflorescence

  • Measurement of wall height, slope angles, and setback distances

  • Review of drainage systems and soil performance

  • Assessment of underlying foundations or footings

  • Identification of construction material quality and compatibility with design goals

 

Inspections give clarity on whether you need repairs, reinforcement, or full replacement. For hillside lots prone to movement or flooding, we may recommend soil stabilization or wall drainage upgrades in conjunction with retaining wall construction.

Custom Designs for Burbank Properties

We understand that retaining walls are more than structural elements—they’re part of your home’s landscape and curb appeal. Sequoia Pool Builders offers custom solutions that match the architectural and visual character of Burbank homes, including:

  • Gravity walls for modest height projects

  • Reinforced concrete or CMU block walls for greater stability

  • Segmental retaining walls for decorative applications

  • Natural stone or veneer finishes to blend with mid-century styles

  • Terraced landscape walls with integrated planters and lighting

 

No two properties are the same. Our design consultations are tailored to your lot’s geometry, soil conditions, and long-term goals. We take into account access pathways, existing landscaping, and how our solution will enhance your space both functionally and visually.

Sequoia’s Expertise and Commitment

At Sequoia Pool Builders, we bring years of structural engineering and hardscaping expertise to every retaining wall project. Our team includes professionals experienced in hillside development, municipal permitting, and aesthetic design for residential properties.

Why Burbank homeowners choose Sequoia Pool Builders:

  • Licensed, bonded, and insured team with local project experience

  • In-house structural engineering consultations

  • Project management from design to completion

  • Soil analysis and drainage evaluations

  • Commitment to safety, durability, and client satisfaction

 

We build retaining walls that provide peace of mind, structures that not only defend your property against seasonal risks but also beautify and expand your outdoor living areas.

If your property in Burbank has a failing retaining wall, sloped yard, or underused landscape, Sequoia Pool Builders is here to help. We offer site evaluations, engineering consultations, and free estimates to help you find the right retaining wall solution.

Reach out today to schedule your inspection or design consultation and discover how retaining wall construction can protect and enhance your property for years to come.

Let Sequoia Pool Builders help transform your sloped terrain into a safe, functional, and stylish outdoor space built to endure.

Get into the world of Sequoia Builders!

Lean your conscious towards sooting your soul surrounded by masonry, pool, and patio.